Women arrested for public order offence for filming empty outpatient department

[bathsh3ba]

www.gloucestershirelive.co.uk/news/gloucester-news/woman-arrested-connection-video-filmed-4841311

I don't understand why it is a criminal offence for a member of the public to post a video of an empty outpatient department. It doesn't even tell you anything useful - the outpatient department being empty doesn't mean the wards aren't full. In fact it might even mean it's more likely the wards are full.

Granted I haven't seen the post so maybe she was inciting a riot or something, but on the face of it, this seems like a pretty heavy handed policing approach.

@bathsh3ba filming for broadcast needs permission in a hospital unless it’s deemed public interest (proving abuse). The rules were put in place for journalists but now apply to anyone who will “broadcast” footage which includes an audience on social media. (I’m an NHS communications director and ex journalist)

I should add that I believe it’s fair for staff to expect to work without being filmed rather than allow us to cover anything up. I’m very supportive of transparency!

Thanks @m0therofdragons, we have posted on social media but her last check up was 2 years ago now and I don't think we took any photos then. I did take a photo on the rocking horse in the waiting room every visit till she was too old for it! But she really appreciated the photos of her as a baby in hospital to explain what happened - she's 13 now so it was a long time ago. She has a zig zag ear to ear scar so it's still noticeable and always will be. We were hoping to be discharged in Feb for the last time but not so sure now.

I'd like it if they really clamped down on all the purveyors of deliberate covid misinformation that has prevented us pulling together as a nation.

@bathsh3ba

Is filming for private use also forbidden? I only ask because my DD was in hospital for an operation as a baby, and has been back for regular check-ups, and we always filmed/took photos of her visits to explain to her when she was older what had happened and why she has this scar etc etc. No-one ever challenged us but we were only filming ourselves and her, not nurses or staff or other people.

You can film and/or take photos in a public place. People can ask you not to take their photos etc, there isn’t anything wrong with you continuing but it’s respectful to not do so.

A place where ‘the public has access’ isn’t a public place, so you should obtain permission.

Certain places may be restricted, more so after the Manchester bombing. Shopping centres, venues etc fall within that. In general you can film outside. If security object then generally you are OK, but if you film the entrance and into the premises then it may be covered by the additional restrictions.

Anything that is owned depends on their rules, you should ask for permission.

You ought to ask staff if it’s OK and explain what you are photographing/filming.
However if you are taking some pictures of your daughter, filming some elements of her visits, aren’t disturbing anyone, etc then it’s likely the staff won’t pay any attention.

If you’re asked not to then stop, explain what and why you’re doing it and you may or may not be allowed to continue.

Lots of ‘auditors’, conspiracy theorists, etc go out to generate a situation and to get YouTube footage of them being ‘oppressed’

@bathsh3ba I can’t imagine anyone challenging that. Children going through treatments and keeping a diary vlog etc are normal. It’s usually vindictive complainers that film over dramatics in A&E making staff feel vulnerable that I take issue with but it’s difficult because the reality is usually there’s some mental health issues that have led to that. Filming things out of context is the issue.